Wednesday 13, the charismatic frontman of the Murderdolls and a veteran of the horror punk and glam rock scene, has a story as wild and colorful as his music.

Joey Jordison, Founding Slipknot Drummer, Dead at 46
From growing up watching horror movies on HBO in a cramped trailer to fronting one of the most unique glam-punk bands of the early 2000s, his journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and unexpected connections.

One of the biggest turning points in his career? A chance call from none other than Joey Jordison, the legendary drummer of Slipknot, who saw something special in Wednesday 13’s music and helped launch him into a new realm of rock stardom.

 

Growing up in a small, single-wide trailer without a bedroom, Wednesday 13 found solace in late-night horror movies and rock and roll.

Shows like *Creep Show* and *Halloween* on HBO fueled his fascination with the macabre, while childhood obsessions like G.I.Joe gave way to the raw power of rock music.

His first concert experience was seeing Mötley Crüe in seventh grade, a memory marked by camping out all night to get tickets and stepping into a world that would shape his identity.

 

Though his early high school bandmates favored metal giants like Queensrÿche, Wednesday 13 gravitated toward glam rock and horror punk, eventually forming Frankenstein Drag Queens in 1996.

This band, with its blend of theatricality and punk grit, laid the foundation for his signature style.

 

In 2001, while still working a day job in North Carolina, Wednesday 13 received a surprising message on his answering machine from Joey Jordison of Slipknot.

Joey, impressed by Wednesday 13’s music and intrigued by his unique style, invited him to join a side project band called the Rejects as a bassist.

This opportunity was a lifeline for Wednesday 13, who was eager to escape his small-town grind and dive deeper into music.

Drummer Joey Jordison Dies at age 46 | Modern Drummer Magazine

What started as a bassist role quickly evolved.

Joey saw potential in Wednesday 13 and encouraged him to take over lead vocals.

The band was renamed the Murderdolls, a nod to the glam-punk fusion Joey envisioned—a blend of New York Dolls’ glam and GG Allin’s raw punk edge.

Joey masterminded the debut album, playing most instruments and producing the record, while Wednesday 13 lent his distinctive vocals and guitar work.

 

The Murderdolls’ ascent was meteoric.

Within a year, they were opening for Guns N’ Roses in Japan, touring with Slayer, and hitting the road with Iron Maiden across Europe.

Their live performances were raw and authentic, famously refusing to lip-sync on shows like *Top of the Pops*.

Their cover of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” charted, and their presence on major platforms put them firmly on the rock map.

Joey Jordison Open to Rejoining Slipknot

Despite the whirlwind success, Wednesday 13 remained grounded, drawing strength from his roots and his love for glam rock legends like Kiss and Alice Cooper.

His style—dark, theatrical, yet fiercely energetic—resonated with fans hungry for something different in the early 2000s rock scene.

 

When the Murderdolls’ activity slowed due to Joey Jordison’s commitments with Slipknot, Wednesday 13 returned to his solo projects.

Leveraging the momentum from the band’s success and his earlier work with Frankenstein Drag Queens, he carved out a solo career that allowed him to explore his glam-horror aesthetic more deeply.

 

His solo albums showcased a matured sound, blending heavy riffs with catchy hooks and theatrical flair.

Collaborations with artists like Tammy Lynn of Faster Pussycat and producers like Alex Kane from Life Sex Death added new dimensions to his music.

 

Wednesday 13 has been candid about the changes in the music industry, especially with the rise of social media.

Unlike the early 2000s, when he could party and live in the moment without much public scrutiny, today’s artists face constant attention.

He embraces this, using platforms like Instagram to connect authentically with fans, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and daily life on tour.

Slipknot founding member and former drummer Joey Jordison dies aged 46

Despite the pressures, he strives to remain genuine, avoiding fake personas and staying true to his artistic vision.

His vocal style—an inspired blend of Sebastian Bach’s power and Alice Cooper’s snarl—reflects his commitment to a unique identity rather than chasing trends.

 

Wednesday 13’s influence extends beyond his discography.

He represents a bridge between glam rock’s theatricality and punk’s rebellious spirit, inspiring a generation of musicians who blend horror aesthetics with hard rock.

His story—from a trailer couch kid watching horror movies to a frontman touring with metal legends—embodies the transformative power of passion and perseverance.

 

Joey Jordison’s role in that journey was pivotal, providing not just an opportunity but a creative partnership that pushed Wednesday 13 to new heights.

Their collaboration remains a landmark in early 2000s rock history, a testament to how unexpected alliances can change careers and shape genres.

 

Wednesday 13’s career is a vivid example of how dedication, authenticity, and a little help from a legendary drummer can create a lasting legacy in the rock world.

As he continues to evolve and connect with fans, his story reminds us that true artistry comes from embracing your unique path — and never giving up on the music that moves you.